a series of entertaining lectures
and demonstrations about chemistry and about food presented by Professors Charles Abrams and Joy Walker. Each session included fascinating stories about food and its preparation with emphasis on the chemistry that underlies the way we experience food. Optional tasing opportunities are provided. You will learn actual practical chemical concepts that will change the way you think about food and its preparation. There are seven sessions.
Emulsions and Foams
Properties of emulsions and foams and answers to questions such as: Do eggs whites beat to a stiffer consistency in a copper bowl? Can chocolate mousse be made without cream? How does soap remove grease?
Deceptions
How can our taste buds be deceived? We discuss Mock Apple Pie, the Miracle Berry and the fifth taste: umami and the MSG controversy.
Delightful and Dangerous Spices
Does "natural" mean "safe"? In this lecture we explore some toxic chemicals naturally present in spices, illustrating how they are detected and examining the relative risks of ingesting them.
Through the Looking Glass: Mirror Image Molecules and Their Oddly Different Properties
Just as your right hand differs from your left, some molecules differ from each other only as mirror images. The implications of this subtle difference can be as benign as different tastes, or as critical as life or death. In this lecture, you will taste and smell this difference and learn how it is exploited by drug manufacturers for profit.
Brown Apples and Muddy Guacamole
Explore the processes of oxidation with us and we test different ways to keep apples white and guacamole green.
Enzymes: Gels and Liquids
Can jello contain fresh pineapple? How do they liquefy the centers of cherry cordials (chocolates)? Hear the mysteries of enzymatic action revealed.
The "Pop" in Soda and the "Rise" in Cakes, Cookies and Biscuits
Learn the difference between baking soda and baking powder. Learn how acid-base reactions affect foods.
When and Where...
These lectures took place at Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60640. Currently this class is not scheduled however if you are interested please call (773) 907-4444 for more information. You may also email questions to Professors Charles Abrams, cabrams@ccc.edu and Joy Walker jwalker@ccc.edu
